Introduction
Fishing is a popular outdoor activity that people around the world enjoy. Fishing can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, whether you want to spend some time alone, bond with your family and friends, enjoy nature or simply enjoy the outdoors. Before you go on your next fishing adventure, you should know if you need a license and what age you must be.
What is a fishing license?
A fishing license is required by law to conduct fishing in public waters, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. This license is issued to the holder by the state or territory government and allows them to possess certain types of fish species in accordance with the rules and regulations that govern the respective jurisdiction.
Why Do You Need A Fishing License?
To regulate and conserve fish populations, fishing licenses are required in public waters. These licenses are also used to fund the management of habitats for fish and protect the environment. Overfishing is possible without proper regulation, which can harm fish populations and the ecosystems of water bodies.
What Age Do I Need a Fishing License at?
The age when you need to obtain a fishing licence varies from state to state. Children under 16 years of age are exempt in most states from having to obtain a fishing permit. You should check your state or territory government to confirm the age limit before you go fishing.
Fishing License Requirements based on State
Alabama
Residents of Alabama under 16 years old are exempted from purchasing a fishing license. Non-residents 12 years old and under are also allowed to fish without a fishing license.
Alaska
Anyone over the age 18 in Alaska is required to buy a fishing permit. Residents aged 16-17, and non-residents under 16 are also required to have a fishing permit.
Arizona
Residents under 10 years of age do not need a fishing permit, but those aged 10-17 are required to have a Junior License. Non-residents under the age of 10 can fish without a fishing license, and residents 70 years and older are eligible for free licenses.
Arkansas
Residents of Arkansas aged 16 and older must have a fishing licence, while children younger than 16 years old do not. Non-residents 16 and older are required to have a fishing license in public waters.
California
Residents of California aged 16-64 are required to have a fishing permit. Seniors 65 years and older can get a discounted license. Children aged 16 and younger can purchase junior sport fishing licenses.
Colorado
Residents of Colorado aged 18-64 are required to have a fishing permit, while children younger than 16 years old do not. Non-residents 16 and older are required to have a fishing license.
Connecticut
Residents of Connecticut aged 16-17 years old need a Youth Fishing Passport. Residents aged 18 and older require a fishing licence. Children under 16 years old can fish without a fishing license.
Delaware
Anyone over 16 years old in Delaware needs a fishing permit.
Florida
Residents of Florida aged 16-65 are required to have a fishing permit, while children younger than 16 can fish with no license. Seniors 65 and older can get a discounted license.
Georgia
Residents of Georgia aged 16-64 are required to have a fishing licence, while children younger than 16 can fish with no license. Seniors 65 years and older are eligible for a discounted fishing license.
Hawaii
Anyone over 15 years old in Hawaii must have a fishing permit.
Idaho
Residents of Idaho aged 14-17 are required to have a Youth Fishing License. Those aged 18 and older require an Adult Fishing License. Children under 14 years old can fish without a fishing license.
Illinois
Residents of Illinois aged 16-74 are required to have a fishing permit, while children younger than 16 can fish with no license. Seniors over 75 can get discounted fishing licenses.
Indiana
Residents of Indiana aged 18-64 are required to have a fishing permit, while those younger than 18 can fish with no license. Seniors 65 years and older can get discounted fishing licenses.
Iowa
Residents of Iowa aged 16-64 are required to have a fishing permit, while children younger than 16 can fish with no license. Seniors 65 years and older can get discounted fishing licenses.
Kansas
Residents of Kansas aged 16-74 are required to have a fishing licence, while those younger than 16 can fish with no license.
Kentucky
Residents of Kentucky aged 16-64 are required to have a fishing permit, while children younger than 16 can fish with no license. Seniors 65 years and older can get discounted fishing licenses.
Louisiana
Residents aged 16-61 in Louisiana require a fishing permit, while non-residents 16 and older require a license.
Maine
Anyone over 16 years old in Maine must have a fishing permit.
Maryland
Maryland residents between the ages of 16-64 are required to have a fishing permit, while children younger than 16 can fish with no license. Seniors 65 years and older can get discounted fishing licenses.
Massachusetts
Anyone over the age 15 in Massachusetts needs a fishing permit.
Michigan
Residents of Michigan aged 17-64 are required to have a fishing permit, while children younger than 17 can fish with no license. Seniors 65 years and older can get discounted fishing licenses.
Minnesota
Anyone over 16 years old in Minnesota must have a fishing permit.
Mississippi
Anyone over 16 years old in Mississippi must have a fishing permit.
Missouri
Residents of Missouri aged 16-64 are required to have a fishing permit, while children younger than 16 years old can fish without one. Seniors 65 years and older can get discounted fishing licenses.
Montana
Residents aged between 12-17 in Montana require a Junior fishing license, while non-residents 12 and under are allowed to fish without a permit.
Nebraska
Nebraska residents between the ages of 16-61 are required to have a fishing permit, while children younger than 16 can fish with no license. Seniors aged 62 years and older can get discounted fishing licenses.
Nevada
Residents of Nevada aged 12-15 are required to have a Junior Fishing License. Residents aged 16 and older require an Adult Fishing License. Children under 12 years old can fish without a fishing license.
New Hampshire
Anyone over 16 years old in New Hampshire must have a fishing permit.
New Jersey
Residents of New Jersey aged 16-69 are required to have a fishing permit, while children below 16 can fish with no license. Seniors 70 years and older can get discounted fishing licenses.
New Mexico
Residents of New Mexico aged 12-17 are required to have a Junior Fishing License. Those aged 18+ require an Adult Fishing License.
New York
Anyone over 16 years old in New York must have a fishing permit.
North Carolina
Residents of North Carolina aged 16-64 are required to have a fishing permit, while children younger than 16 can fish with no license. Seniors 65 years and older can get discounted fishing licenses.
North Dakota
Residents of North Dakota aged 16-64 are required to have a fishing permit, while children younger than 16 can fish with no license. Seniors 65 years and older can get discounted fishing licenses.
Ohio
Residents of Ohio aged 16-64 are required to have a fishing permit, while children younger than 16 years old can fish without one. Seniors 65 years and older can get discounted fishing licenses.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma residents between the ages of 16 and 61 are required to have a fishing permit, while children younger than 16 can fish with no license. Seniors aged 62 years and older can get discounted fishing licenses.
Oregon
Anyone over the age 12 in Oregon needs a fishing permit.
Pennsylvania
Residents of Pennsylvania aged 16-64 are required to have a fishing permit, while children younger than 16 years old can fish without one. Seniors 65 years and older can get discounted fishing licenses.
Rhode Island
Anyone over 15 years old in Rhode Island must have a fishing permit.
South Carolina
Residents of South Carolina aged 16-64 are required to have a fishing permit, while children younger than 16 can fish with no license. Seniors 65 years and older can get discounted fishing licenses.
South Dakota
Residents of South Dakota aged 18-64 are required to have a fishing permit, while children younger than 16 years old can fish without one. Seniors 65 years and older can get discounted fishing licenses.
Tennessee
Residents of Tennessee aged 13-64 are required to have a fishing permit, while children younger than 13 can fish with no license. Seniors 65 years and older can get discounted fishing licenses.
Texas
Residents of Texas aged 17-64 are required to have a fishing permit, while those aged 10- 16 require a Youth Fishing License. Children under 10 years old can fish without a fishing license.
Utah
Anyone over the age 12 in Utah needs a fishing permit.
Vermont
Anyone over 15 years old in Vermont needs a fishing permit.
Virginia
Anyone over 16 years old in Virginia must have a fishing permit.
Washington
Anyone over 15 years old in Washington must have a fishing permit.
West Virginia
Anyone over 15 years old in West Virginia must have a fishing permit.
Wisconsin
Anyone over 16 years old in Wisconsin must have a fishing permit.
Wyoming
Wyoming residents between the ages of 14-17 are required to have a Youth Fishing License. Residents aged 18 and older require an Adult Fishing License. Children under 14 years old can fish without a fishing license.
Conclusion
Everyone can enjoy fishing. It is important to know what age you need a fishing permit in order to stay on the right side and conserve fish populations. Knowing the age requirements will help you avoid any legal consequences. Remember to check the requirements of your state or territory government before you go on your next fishing excursion.
